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Man who robbed elderly woman on mobility scooter in Cheetham Hill arrested after police chase

He stole her bag and a "large amount" of her money.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 5th February 2024

A man who robbed an elderly woman on a mobility scooter in Cheetham Hill has been arrested following a police chase.

It comes after officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a robbery on Woodlands Road in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, just after 11pm last Saturday night (3 February).

During the distressing incident, it’s believed that a man approached an elderly woman on a mobility scooter, and “forcibly” stole her bag from her.

He then ran off with “a large amount” of her money, GMP explained.

Police say they were on the scene “immediately” following the reports to support the victim, who was understandably shaken, but was able to brief officers with a description of the suspect.

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Woodlands Road in Cheetham Hill, where the robbery occurred / Credit: Google Maps

After receiving information about the suspect’s description, two other police officers then proceed to chased the suspect.

Despite trying to scale a fence during the police chase in a bid to get away from officers, the suspect was eventually stopped in his tracks by as they caught him, and during his struggle trying to escape, he also lost several bank notes.

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The man was then detained and searched, GMP has confirmed, and police were able to successfully recover the victim’s bag and her money to return to her.

Following the incident, which GMP has called “cruel and cowardly”, it’s been confirmed that the man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery, and he currently remains in police custody for questioning. 

“This was a cruel and cowardly attack against an elderly woman,” commented Chief Inspector Paul Nolan, from GMP’s North Manchester division.

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“We do not underestimate the psychological impact of offences of this nature, and we will continue to support her as we progress this case. This was great work by our response officers whose teamwork and fast thinking meant we were able to detain the suspect quickly, and I am pleased that we were able to return the items to the victim.

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“I hope this demonstrates that we will stop at nothing to hunt down those responsible for abhorrent actions like this and bring them to justice.”

Featured Image – GMP

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2024 Manchester Marathon raises £29 million for local economy and over £3.7m for charity

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Marathon raises millions for city economy and local charity

Just under a fortnight on from the 2024 Manchester Marathon and the numbers are finally, with the annual race generating nearly £30 million for the local economy and raising over £3.7m for charity.

This year’s Adidas Manchester Marathon saw record numbers of runners and spectators as over 30,000 took part in the popular race, up by roughly 6,000 from 2023, and more than 125k turned up to line the streets of Greater Manchester.

As a result, these huge crowds spent upwards of £29.2 million at business around the city centre and around the 10 boroughs last weekend, serving as one of the most significant contributions to the local economy on the annual calendar.

Not only was this an approximately £8m increase on last year’s tally but, most importantly, a sizeable chunk of that went straight into both regional and national charities.

The 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon was a spectacular day for the city and its economy.

Beyond the boost to local vendors, the hospitality sector and retail businesses, over £3.7 million were allocated to charities such as Alzheimer’s Charity, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and The Christie. 

Over £32,000 was also raised for the Trafford Active Fund, with £1 from every paid entry to the Adidas Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half donated directly to the initiative that benefits local sports clubs and organisations through Trafford Council.

Better still, with City of Trees selected as the chosen ‘Green Runner’ charity, the eco-friendly drive saw roughly 7% of participants opt out of receiving either a finisher t-shirt, medal or both.

The money saved in production goes towards maintaining woodlands and wildlife across Greater Manchester.

Fundraising from the Manchester Marathon is one of it’s biggest upshots.

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This year’s Manchester Marathon also helped produce some of the highest number of passengers on public transport in the city’s history, with a over 175,000 journeys made on Metrolink alone – the highest number of journeys ever recorded on a single day.

This was a 20% increase on 2023’s race day (145k), spotlighting how the event continues to be more environmentally conscious as years go by.

With the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon confirmed to be taking place on Sunday, 27 April next year – and over 12,000 places already sold – the city can already look forward to reaping the economic and social benefits of hosting one of Europe’s largest, flattest, friendliest and most-loved marathons. 

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Adidas Manchester Marathon/The Manc Group

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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester firefighter surprise proposal recruit passing out parade

We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.

Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.

The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.

Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…

Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.

As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.

You already know the rest.

Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.

You just love to see it.

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Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.

If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.

All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

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